What qualifications does a clinical psychologist have?

Clinical psychologists are specialist psychologists with a minimum of six years university training, including approved postgraduate clinical studies and placements in psychiatric settings. The principal psychologists at MCPC are Doctors of clinical psychology and have a minimum of seven years of training to gain their qualifications and expertise. They are the most qualified of all psychologists to work in the area of clinical mental health.

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Why see a child and adolescent specialist psychologist?

Clinical Psychologists have specialist skills in psychometric and neuro-psychological testing and diagnosis, and knowledge of developmental psychology and learning theories, as well as expertise in abnormal psychology and effective psychological therapies.

Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologists have additional specialist training and experience with children and adolescents which is imperative to understanding both normal child development and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties that can emerge at every developmental age and stage.

MCPC psychologists also have knowledge of the most recent developments in infant, child and adolescent psychology and are committed to innovative, informed and up to date approaches.

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Why see an APS psychologist?

Consulting an Australian Psychological Society Psychologist ensures you receive expert psychological services of the highest standard. APS Psychologists follow guidelines about professional conduct, responsibilities and confidentiality that are set and monitored by the Society in the APS Code of Ethics.

All psychologists are legally required to register with the Psychologist Registration Board in their State or Territory, in the same way medical practitioners must be registered. APS membership involves meeting standards in addition to this registration. Entry to the APS requires more university training than necessarily required by the Boards.

Click here for further information about the qualifications of APS psychologists.

MCPC psychologists are APS psychologists.

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How do I talk to my child about seeing a psychologist?

Visit our Kids Space and Youth Space for answers to questions that your child might have like: (i) what are psychologists, (ii) why do kids see psychologists, and (iii) what will happen during the first visit.
Here are some other considerations:

• Reassure you child that they do not have to say or do anything that they do not want to say or do.
  
• Reassure your child that lots of kids have the same problems, and that lots of kids see psychologists.
  
• Let them know that child psychologists work with kids all the time and know a lot about what affects kids, and are there to support and help them to feel better.
  
• Let your child know that you can be in the room with them if they require this to feel safe.
  
• Let them know that that no one else needs to know they are seeing a psychologist unless they choose to let them know.
  
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What happens in the first session? 

Your psychologist will want to gain a good understanding of your child's presenting difficulties and your current concerns. Your psychologist will explain the assessment process which may include a parent interview, a child session. Your psychologist will provide you with feedback, recommendations and undertake shared goal setting. Your psychologist will aim to be respectful, caring, transparent and collaborative throughout the process.

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What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?

CBT is an evidenced based approach which means that there is scientific research that supports the effectiveness of this therapy with children and young people.

In general, CBT involves both 'cognitive therapy' and 'behaviour therapy'.  Cognitive therapy focuses on an a person's pattern of thinking while behaviour therapy looks at associated actions.  When combined skilfully, these two approaches provide a very powerful method to help overcome a wide range of emotional and behavioural problems in children and adolescents.

One of the strengths of CBT is that it aims not just to help people overcome the symptoms that they are currently experiencing, but it also aims to teach the person new skills and strategies that they can apply to future situations.  It focuses on the 'here and now' whilst developing an understanding of past styles of thinking and behaviour that have developed over time.

Highly trained therapists will adapt and modify CBT models to tailor an intervention that best meets the unique needs of your child. MCPC psychologists draw from a range of evidence based practices to ensure that your child is receiving the most effective therapeutic intervention and strategies. 

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